Apply to MAS!

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Join an Interdisciplinary Community of Artists at UVA!

The J. Sanford Miller Arts Scholars Program invites passionate, curious undergraduate artists to join a dynamic, prestigious, interdisciplinary creative community at the University of Virginia. This unique program supports students with varying levels of artistic experience who are eager to make, learn, question, collaborate, and grow within a vibrant intellectual and creative environment. 

Admission to the program is competitive and application-based. 

Application Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM - SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION!

Eligibility

Students may apply in the spring of their first year (rising second-year students) or second year (rising third-year students). Applicants are expected to be planning to declare a major or minor in the arts, or to present evidence of major-equivalent engagement in an arts discipline. Applicants should demonstrate sustained involvement in their artistic practice and strong academic performance, with a recommended GPA of 3.4 or higher in arts courses and a 3.2 or higher cumulative GPA. In rare cases, exceptions to GPA guidelines may be considered for students who demonstrate exceptional artistic talent and potential, as supported by a faculty letter. 

Once admitted, Miller Arts Scholars must be majors or minors in the College of Arts & Sciences to remain in the program.

Who Should Apply

The Miller Arts Scholars Program seeks students who are:

• Deeply engaged in an artistic practice in Studio Art, Drama, Music, Dance, or Creative Writing
• Curious about interdisciplinary exchange and learning across artistic forms
• Interested in the relationship between making, research, and dialogue
• Committed to mentorship, collaboration, and artistic community
• Motivated to contribute meaningfully to a close-knit cohort of artists and scholars

What the Program Offers

Miller Arts Scholars gain access to a range of academic and creative opportunities, including:

• Meaningful interaction and mentorship with faculty across multiple arts disciplines
• Eligibility to apply for funding to support arts-related research and creative projects
• A cohort of peers who challenge, support, and inspire one another, fostering lasting professional relationships
• Seminar- and discussion-based courses designed to deepen practice and expand perspective
• Increased visibility within the arts community
• Access to arts events, workshops, and gatherings reserved for Miller Arts Scholars
• Formal recognition of successful program completion through a certificate awarded at graduation

Application Materials

Applicants submit the following materials. Submission guidelines and technical requirements are detailed within the MAS Application Form.

• Statement of Purpose (700–1,000 words): A reflective essay in which applicants articulate why they seek to become a Miller Arts Scholar. The statement should discuss the applicant’s artistic interests, practice, and inspirations; formative artistic experiences; and current or past involvement with the arts at UVA or beyond. Applicants are encouraged to include experiences in collaboration, leadership, or service, and to reflect on how these experiences shape their goals as artists and align with the Miller Arts Scholars Program. Finally, applicants should discuss how they hope their artistic practice will develop in the coming years and how participation in the Miller Arts Scholars Program might support that growth.
• Resume and UVA Transcript: Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
• Faculty Recommendation: A letter from a faculty member who can speak to the applicant’s artistic development and commitment must be submitted separately via Faculty Recommendation Form.
• Portfolio or Work Samples: Applicants should submit recent creative work appropriate to their discipline.
  • Vistual Artists: Up to 10 high-resolution still images ; 2-5 minutes of time-based media (video, film)
  • Musicians: Up to 8 audio work samples. Composers may submit up to 3 scores (audio recordings encouraged when available)
  • Performing Artists: Two performance samples, each up to 5 minutes, submitted as unedited video
  • Dancers: 7–10 minutes of edited video demonstrating movement material, choreography, and/or improvisation
  • Creative Writers: Up to two writing samples, each no longer than five pages (excerpts permitted if needed ; submissions may include poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, or other creative forms)

Portfolio Submission Format:

Upload your portfolio as one single document that includes all work samples and  relevant links. Each work should appear on its own page (or clearly separated section) and include brief identifying information such as title, date, medium, and a short description. If submitting links to external media, ensure all links are publicly accessible, functional, and tested across multiple devices prior to submission.

Portfolio Guidance: 

• Include brief descriptions for each work.
• High school work is strongly discouraged unless it clearly reflects your present practice.
• Submit your strongest, most recent work. Select work that best reflects your artistic interests, abilities, and direction. Reviewers value clarity, intention, and potential for growth over volume or polish.

Only complete applications received by the deadline will be reviewed.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: Spring semester
• Application Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM - SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION!
• Admission Notification: Early March, 2026

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are reviewed by the Miller Arts Scholars Faculty Advisory Committee. Reviewers consider:

• Evidence of artistic engagement and creative inquiry
• Openness to interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration
• Intellectual curiosity and potential for growth
• Alignment with the mission and values of the program

Program Participation & Expectations

Students admitted to the program are expected to engage fully in its academic, artistic, and community components.

• Required Courses:
  • Fall: Miller Arts Scholars Seminar (CASS 1010)
  • Spring: Miller Arts Scholars Discussion (CASS 1011)
• Ongoing Participation:
  • Participate in Miller Arts Scholars activities, gatherings, and events
  • Maintain active involvement in arts coursework and disciplinary communities
  • Engage with fellow scholars, faculty, and visiting artists
• Academic Standing:
  • Minimum recommended GPA of 3.4 in all arts courses
  • Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 3.2
  • Miller Arts Scholars must be majors or minors in the College of Arts & Sciences to remain in the program.
• Coursework Requirements: Arts Scholars are required to complete at least four credit-bearing arts courses within their nominating department between the second and fourth years of study. Course-level requirements vary by discipline:
  • Studio Art and Drama: At least one course at the 3000 level or above
  • Music: At least two courses at the 3000 level or above, including at least one MUSI course
  • Dance: At least two courses at the 3000 level or above, selected from two different areas: Movement Practice, Creative Process, Critical Studies, or Somatic Studies

Maintaining good academic standing and active participation is required to remain eligible for continued participation and future  funding opportunities within the program. These guidelines are designed to support students’ artistic development while ensuring sustained, meaningful engagement with their chosen discipline. 

Ready to Apply?

If you are eager to deepen your artistic practice and become part of a selective community that takes the arts seriously, we encourage you to submit your application to the Miller Arts Scholars Program!